Crossmolina crowned Under 19 Girls Cup champions

By Nathan Keane

CROSSMOLINA were crowned Hayes Mechanical & Engineering Mayo Under 19 Girls Cup champions on Friday evening in Celtic Park, Castlebar, following a competitive, end-to-end battle with Westport United.

It was a historic win for Crossmolina, securing silverware in their first year of fielding an Under 19 girls team.

United played some very skilful football but, in the end, Crossmolina proved to be the more clinical side.

Westport started the match as the dominant force. The first chance of the game fell their way, Aoife Meaney with a long range shot which sailed over the crossbar. A few minutes later United’s Ruby Brennan played a lovely pass over the Crossmolina defence to striker Kate Maloney but goalkeeper Leah Hopkins got to the ball first.

Westport United failed to take their early opportunities, and they were punished. With a quarter of an hour played, Hannah McHugh sent a low, powerful cross into the Westport box from a corner. Claire Hegarty directed the ball into the back of the net, scoring the first goal of the encounter.

United created numerous chances to snatch an equaliser in the following 10 minutes but none of them were converted. A header from Maud O’Reilly and shots from Katie Hughes and Kate Maloney all went wide.

Despite United having the momentum, Crossmolina once again nicked a goal on the break. After a long ball was pumped up to striker Emma Sheridan, she beat her defender, chipped the ball over the goalkeeper, and headed it in – an incredible piece of skill to double her team's advantage.

Sheridan was incredible for the whole 90 minutes. She was the focal point of the Crossmolina attack and her pace in behind the Westport defence was a major asset for the eventual victors.

With 10 minutes left in the first half, Westport finally found the back of the net. Shortly after taking a long-range shot which was saved by Leah Hopkins, Westport’s Katie Hughes found herself bearing down on goal. This time she stayed composed and slotted her effort under Hopkins and into the net to cut the deficit in half.

United pushed for the leveller before half-time but found themselves a goal down going into the second half.

The game devolved into a scrappier affair in that second period, with Westport dominating possession and Crossmolina waiting for their moment to hit them on the counter. Both sides tried to get in behind the opposition defence, and both goalkeepers were routinely called into action to intercept through balls.

Westport had shots on goal from Katie Hughes and substitute Rheanna Hoban, but they were regularly thwarted by solid Crossmolina defending. United got very close to equalising when one of their corners led to pandemonium in the Crossmolina box but eventually the ball was cleared.

Crossmolina had chances on the break too, but these were dealt with expertly by Westport goalkeeper Lauren Cusack, who swept up a lot of ball throughout.

The second half was, on the whole. an even contest, and it took a moment of magic to find a breakthrough. With 10 minutes left, Crossmolina’s Claire Hegarty, from well outside the 18-yard box, lobbed the ball over Lauren Cusack and into the goal. This incredible piece of play from Hegarty put her side firmly on the path to victory.

Crossmolina held on to their two-goal lead and clinched the cup.

Crossmolina: L. Hopkins, B. Gough, R. Jordan, A. Gallagher, A. Doherty, H. McHugh, N. Hegarty, C. Hegarty, E. Sheridan, E. Connell, S. Mulligan.

Sub used: A. Doyle.

Westport United: L. Cusack, C. Ryan, A. Meaney, S. McGing, L. Maloney, R. Brennan, M. O’Reilly, A. Meaney, K. Maloney, K. Hughes, E. Grady.

Subs used: K. Moran, R. Hoban, K. McGing.

Ref: P. O’Brien Gleeson.

*Star rating: Emma Sheridan (Crossmolina)...in devastating form.